Bhubaneswar, April 18: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Arun Sahoo has strongly criticized the BJP-led government’s handling of the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it a “political drama” aimed at blaming the Opposition. Sahoo claimed the Centre introduced the bill knowing it lacked support in the Lok Sabha, intending to paint the Opposition as “anti-women.”

Sahoo questioned the need for reintroducing the bill, pointing out that the Women’s Reservation Act had already been passed in 2023, pending implementation linked to seat delimitation. He dismissed the bill's push as a “gimmick,” accusing the government of failing to consult opposition parties or experts.

Sahoo also raised concerns over the bill’s impact on regional representation, particularly warning that Southern states, which have controlled population growth, could suffer due to the proposed seat increase, creating a North-South divide.

In response to the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, Sahoo criticized the Centre for neglecting Odisha’s interests, despite the state’s significant contribution to the BJP’s mandate. He reiterated BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s appeal for MPs to prioritize Odisha's welfare above politics.